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Why Wayfair Stock Lost 16% in February

What happened

Home furnishings e-tailer Wayfair (NYSE:W) trailed the market by a wide margin last month, falling 16% compared to a 4% decrease in the S&P 500, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

So what

Investors got a look last month at Wayfair's holiday quarter results, and the numbers were almost uniformly positive. Sales growth beat expectations, and its customer base climbed to 11 million from 8.25 million a year ago. Wayfair's average spending per order rose significantly, and the company benefited from a more loyal shopper base, with 62% of orders coming from repeat buyers.

Image source: Getty Images.

On the down side, net losses expanded as the company spent freely on priorities like increasing staffing and investing in site and software development.

Now what

Wayfair has two major investment goals that should keep a lid on profits over the coming year. In its home market, it plans to build up its delivery infrastructure so that shipping occurs quicker and more efficiently, including on bulky items like couches, tables, and rugs. Executives also expect to pour cash into expanding in international geographies.

The hope is these investments will help keep sales growth rising at a faster pace than the broader market to extend Wayfair's leading share position in this attractive retailing niche.